The Swedish side will also participate in the development of the Hungarian Air Force's fighter jet capabilities.Continue reading
Thanks to the negotiations with the Swedish company, the joint development of our military capabilities will strengthen the security of both countries, in addition to the existing military-technical cooperation, a statement quotes Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
As a committed member of NATO, Hungary has a fundamental interest in close strategic and defense cooperation with the Saab, stressed the Hungarian politician. According to the ministry, Mr Szalay-Bobrovniczky said at the company’s Linköping plant (Sweden), where Saab’s latest technological developments were presented,
Our goal is to have a long-term and fruitful relationship with Saab not only as a Gripen customer, but also as a research and development partner.”
The minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saab CEO Micael Johansson, under which Hungary and the Swedish company will establish an extensive cooperation, closer than the current one.
Saab AB continues to invest in Hungary, working with our Defence Innovation Research Institute to develop cutting-edge technologies and explore next-gen fighter and MRO projects.✈️
Plans include a new Aviation Development Centre to #enhance both nations’ defense capabilities. pic.twitter.com/AjlTWlHSQg— Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky (@SzBobrovniczky) October 17, 2024
The statement also quoted the Defense Minister as saying:
We are delighted that Saab plans to establish an aerospace development institute with a base in Hungary, which will continue the work started with VIKI, the Defense Innovation Research Institute, and focus on virtual reality, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and new material technologies.”
He added that deepening the cooperation could provide key defense innovation opportunities for Hungarian SMEs and defense innovation companies.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky stressed that Hungary considers Swedish company Saab a key partner in the modernization program of the Hungarian Defense Forces and recalled that Gripen aircraft have been protecting the airspace of Hungary, several neighboring countries (Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia) for almost two decades, and the Baltic States every three years. In 2025, Hungarian Gripen aircraft will perform this task for the fourth time, making a significant contribution to the security of the Hungarian people, NATO and the EU, the statement quoted the minister as saying.
Via MTI, Featured image: X/Saab